Can Pedestrians Sue After Being Hit by a Citi Bike in New York City?

Over the past decade, Citi Bike has become one of the city’s most popular transportation options, offering more than 30,000 bikes across the five boroughs. With that convenience has come a sudden rise in pedestrian accidents involving Citi Bikes and other rental bicycles. In some cases, these crashes cause catastrophic, even fatal, injuries to innocent pedestrians.

If you or a loved one has been struck by a Citi Bike rider, the answer to whether you can file a lawsuit depends on the circumstances. Under New York law, you may have the right to recover compensation from the rider, the company operating the bike, or other negligent parties. It may be in your best interest to contact a Citi bike accident lawyer today.

The Rise of Citi Bike-Related Pedestrian Accidents

As cycling has grown more popular in New York, so have accidents involving bikes and pedestrians. According to data from the New York City Department of Transportation, thousands of pedestrians are injured each year in collisions with cyclists. While many of these incidents are minor, some result in life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Permanent disability
• Fatal injuries in high-impact collisions

Citi Bikes, which can weigh more than 45 pounds, can cause significant harm when colliding with a pedestrian, especially at higher speeds or when e-assist models are involved.

Why These Accidents Happen

While some Citi Bike riders obey the law, others treat bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks carelessly. Common causes of pedestrian collisions include:

• Riding too fast through crowded intersections
• Ignoring red lights or stop signs
• Riding on sidewalks (which is illegal for adults in NYC)
• Distracted riding (texting or listening to music)
• Poor bike maintenance by Citi Bike operators
• Defective e-assist motor systems leading to uncontrolled acceleration

These are not “accidents” in the truest sense; they are preventable acts of negligence that leave victims seriously injured.

What Makes Citi Bike Accidents Different?

Unlike private cyclists, Citi Bike riders use bicycles owned and maintained by Lyft, Inc., which operates the program under contract with the City of New York. This arrangement makes liability more complex. Depending on how the accident happened, several parties may share responsibility.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Citi Bike Accident?

Liability in pedestrian-Citi Bike collisions depends on the facts of the case. Many people and parties can be held legally responsible, including:

The Citi Bike Rider

If the cyclist was negligent by riding recklessly, running a red light, using a cell phone, or ignoring traffic signals, they can be held personally liable for your injuries.

Citi Bike/Lyft

Lyft, which operates Citi Bike, could be held liable if the accident was caused by:

• A defective or poorly maintained bicycle (e.g., faulty brakes or handlebars).
• A malfunctioning e-assist motor that made the bike unsafe.
• Negligent program operations, such as failing to ensure bikes were properly inspected and safe for use.

Because Lyft is a private company operating a public transportation system, claims against them are governed by civil liability laws, not government immunity rules.

The City of New York

In limited cases, the City itself may share responsibility. For instance:

• Poorly designed or inadequately maintained bike lanes or intersections.
• Dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident.
• Negligent oversight of the Citi Bike program or failure to enforce safety standards.

Claims against the City must follow strict rules under New York law, including filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar your right to sue the City later.

New York Laws That Apply to Citi Bike Accidents

Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1231, cyclists on public roads have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers. That means they must:

• Obey all traffic lights and signs.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Use due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
• Refrain from reckless or distracted riding.

If a Citi Bike rider violates these rules and injures someone, their actions may be considered negligence under New York law. Additionally, New York City’s local ordinances require cyclists to stay in designated bike lanes when available and to yield the right of way to pedestrians. Failing to do so can establish liability in a civil lawsuit.

What Victims and Their Families Can Recover

If you’ve been hit by a Citi Bike rider, you may be entitled to compensation for the full scope of your losses, including:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Because many Citi Bike related injuries are catastrophic, the financial and emotional impact can be just as significant. A lawsuit helps ensure those responsible are held accountable.

When a Citi Bike Accident Results in Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, a Citi Bike accident leads to a pedestrian’s death. Families of victims may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit under New York law.

• A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for:
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost financial support
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance
• Pain and suffering endured before death

The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, and in most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of death.

Hurt By a Citi Bike? Get a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Morelli Law Firm is one of New York’s premier civil litigation firms, known for winning record-setting verdicts and settlements for accident victims. With over 100 years of combined legal experience and billions recovered, our attorneys have the resources and expertise to take on powerful corporations like Lyft and government agencies alike.

If you or a loved one has been struck by a Citi Bike rider, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. We’ll help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. If you were hit by a Citi Bike in New York City, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.